Automatic Windows event auditing configuration now available for unified sensors (V3.x)

Updated November 19, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

Introduction

We’re introducing a new opt-in feature for automatic event-auditing configuration in Defender for Identity unified sensors (V3.x). This enhancement simplifies deployment by allowing admins to automatically apply the required Windows event-auditing settings on their sensors. It reduces manual post-deployment steps and ensures consistent policy enforcement across all onboarded sensors.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, and DoD): The auditing opt-in feature will be available starting mid-December 2025 (previously mid-November), with rollout expected to complete within the same timeframe.

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, and DoD): The related auditing health alerts will be released gradually by mid-January 2026 (previously mid-December).

How this affects your organization

Who is affected: Admins managing Defender for Identity unified sensors (V3.x) in Microsoft 365 tenants.

What will happen

• A new opt-in setting will be available in both the UI and via Graph API.
• In the UI, this option will appear under Defender for Identity Settings → Advanced features.
• Once enabled, the automatic configuration feature will:
  • For new sensor activations: automatically apply all required Windows event-auditing settings during activation.
  • For existing onboarded sensors: automatically apply auditing settings only if misconfigured, and dismiss the related health issues.
• The opt-in applies to all unified sensors in the tenant.
• This feature is not enabled by default and requires admin action.
• No changes will occur unless admins choose to enable the feature.

Relevant auditing configurations health issues covered

• NTLM auditing is not enabled
• Directory Services Advanced Auditing is not enabled as required
• Directory Services Object Auditing is not enabled as required
• Auditing on the Configuration container is not enabled as required
• Auditing on the ADFS container is not enabled as required

What you can do to prepare

No action is required unless you choose to enable the feature.

If you plan to opt in:

• Review your unified sensor deployment strategy.
• Enable the opt-in setting via the UI or Graph API.
• Communicate the change to relevant IT and security teams.
• Update internal documentation if you track auditing configurations.

To review the required auditing configurations for Defender for Identity unified sensors (V3.x)

For details about the relevant auditing health issues

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.